In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, students and aspiring migrants are seeking not just accuracy but also convenience when it comes to proving their English proficiency. This is where a new contender has entered the stage with surprising force—the Duolingo English Test. But how does it stack up against the established PTE Academic, a favorite among students for years?
Let’s explore this detailed comparison of Duolingo English Test vs PTE, helping you understand the similarities, differences, pros, and cons of each test—and ultimately, which one might be right for your journey abroad.
Overview of Both Tests
What is the Duolingo English Test (DET)?
The Duolingo English Test is an entirely online, AI-driven language test that you can take from the comfort of your home. Designed to be affordable, flexible, and fast, DET assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in a short span of around 60 minutes.
What is the PTE Academic?
The Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) is a well-recognized English proficiency exam accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide. Conducted in official test centers, the PTE is known for its high level of automation, quick results, and AI-based scoring—similar to DET but slightly more structured and traditional in its format.
Format Comparison: DET vs PTE Academic
When it comes to format, the DET vs PTE Academic comparison becomes an interesting debate between convenience and standardization.
| Feature | Duolingo English Test | PTE Academic |
| Mode | Online from home | In-person at test centers |
| Duration | ~60 minutes | ~2 hours |
| Modules | Integrated skills in one test | Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening |
| Scoring | 10-160 scale | 10-90 scale |
| Results Time | Within 48 hours | Within 48 hours |
One of the most appealing aspects of Duolingo vs Pearson test is how DET compresses all testing into a shorter window without losing its effectiveness.
Cost and Accessibility
Cost is often a deciding factor for many test takers, especially international students. Here’s how PTE vs Duolingo English fares on the financial side:
- DET Cost: Around $59 USD
- PTE Academic Cost: Varies by country, usually between $150 to $220 USD
Clearly, Duolingo is the more affordable option. But it’s not just about cost—accessibility also plays a crucial role. With DET, students can take the test from anywhere with a computer and stable internet. No travel, no appointments, no waiting for a test center slot.
On the other hand, PTE requires you to be physically present at an authorized testing center, which can be challenging for students in remote areas or those facing travel restrictions.
Global Acceptance & Recognition
When it comes to Duolingo English Test vs PTE, recognition is where PTE still holds the upper hand.
- PTE Academic is accepted by:
- Australian, UK, Canadian, and New Zealand immigration
- 3,000+ universities globally including Harvard, Oxford, and Yale
- Duolingo English Test is accepted by:
- 4,500+ institutions (mostly for academic admissions)
- Growing acceptance in the USA and parts of Europe
- Not valid for visa purposes (yet)
So, if your goal is university admission, DET could be a great, affordable shortcut. But for visa or PR purposes, PTE is still the safer bet.
Test Difficulty and Structure
Both tests use AI to measure English skills objectively. However, they approach this differently.
Duolingo:
- Adaptive: The difficulty level increases or decreases based on your performance
- Integrated Questions: Many tasks test multiple skills at once (e.g., listen and write)
- Randomized Format: No fixed sections, test keeps switching types
- Simple UI: Easier for students used to mobile or web apps
PTE Academic:
- Fixed Sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
- Structured Tasks: Predictable, with defined question types (20 total)
- Practice-Oriented: More resources and mock tests available
- Speaking on Microphone: Many students find it more “exam-like”
In terms of difficulty, many users feel DET is slightly more forgiving, especially for non-native speakers. But PTE gives you a more comprehensive test of academic English with professional structure.
Scoring System: How Are You Evaluated?
A big part of this Duolingo vs Pearson test comparison is understanding the scoring.
Duolingo:
- Score Range: 10 to 160
- Interpreted as:
- 120+ = equivalent to IELTS 7.5 or PTE 65+
- One Total Score: Includes all four skills, plus sub-scores
PTE:
- Score Range: 10 to 90
- Separate Scores: For Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening
- AI Grading: High reliability with anti-cheating mechanisms
While both use automated grading, PTE’s scoring is slightly more detailed and gives candidates a better breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses.
Test Preparation Resources
PTE is ahead in terms of official prep resources. You’ll find:
- Official practice tests from Pearson
- Online mock platforms like Gurully (with real-exam-like scoring)
- YouTube tutorials, coaching centers, etc.
DET, being newer, has fewer prep platforms. However, it is relatively easier to prepare for using:
- Free practice tests on Duolingo’s site
- YouTube channels and blogs
- Mobile apps with AI scoring
Still, in terms of structured preparation, PTE gives more clarity, especially for students used to academic coaching and formal mock test environments.
Who Should Take Which Test?
Here’s a simplified guide to help you decide:
| You Should Take… | If You Are: |
| Duolingo English Test | Looking for fast, affordable, home-based testing; applying to universities only |
| PTE Academic | Planning for immigration or applying to universities + visa; need detailed feedback; prefer center-based tests |
Final Thoughts: Which Test is Right for You?
Choosing between Duolingo English Test vs PTE is not just about price or convenience—it depends entirely on your goal.
- Want a fast, low-cost way to apply to universities in the USA or Europe? Go for Duolingo.
- Need a test that’s valid for student visas, migration, or PR? Stick with PTE Academic.
In the growing debate of DET vs PTE Academic, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but you’re now equipped to make an informed decision based on your unique needs.
As both tests continue to evolve, it’s great to see more options opening up for international students. Just ensure your target university or immigration body accepts your chosen test before booking.
